Local farmers and small business owners will be on the Walker-Adams Mall on September 24 to educate guests about regional options and to sell their products.  The Market is scheduled from 11:30-4:30 p.m. and cash/checks will be accepted. Items available will include honey, peanuts, fresh juice, fruits, and vegetables. For a full schedule, click here.

When OU Housing and Food Services introduced the Laughing Tomato in fall 2008, the community received direct access to natural, locally-grown  food. Approximately 15% of the food served at the Laughing Tomato comes from an area farm or small business. By working with the Oklahoma Dept of Agriculture to identify and contract with local produce growers, OU continues to expand sustainable dining options. To name a few current sustainable options, OU offers the items below at many campus restaurants:

• cage-free eggs
• organic fair-trade coffee
• locally produced cheese
• organic beef
• natural and locally grown produce

As a Farm-to-Fork participant, OU's use of seasonal menus and educational materials brings awareness to area farms. Even the dessert station, or Sweet Shoppe, in Couch Restaurants offers locally produced desserts for the OU community.

In addition, recent conservation initiatives at campus dining locations include:

• recycled to-go packaging at Crossroads Restaurant

• styrofoam cups at all OU Housing and Food Services retail operations have been replaced with a coated paper cup

• multiple Energy Star rated appliance upgrades within Couch Restaurants renovations to save water and power

• eco-clamshell program enables students to purchase a break-resistant, microwave safe to-go container which can be used throughout the year at Oliver’s in Cate ala Carte

A University-sponsored compost program is currently being explored.